Naka Ward is located in the center of Nagoya city. Largely hemmed in by Sakura-dōri, Ōtsu-dōri, Fushimi-dōri and Tsurumai-dōri, it contains the main shopping area of Sakae which includes a massive air-conditioned 5 square-kilometer underground mall and the 'after-five' semi-red light districts of Nishiki and Shin-sakae.
Surrounding municipalities
Chikusa Ward
Kita Ward
Higashi Ward
Nishi Ward
Nakamura Ward
Shōwa Ward
Atsuta Ward
Nakagawa Ward
History
Naka Ward was one of the original four wards of the city of Nagoya, established on April 1, 1908. On February 1, 1944 a portion of Naka Ward was divided out to become Sakae Ward, but was merged back into Naka Ward on November 3, 1945. Most of the area was completely destroyed during the bombing of Nagoya in World War II. After the war, the layout of the streets was changed to a grid pattern, with wide streets serving as firebreaks. The city is especially proud of Sakae's 100-meter road so named because of its width. There are small parks and areas for public performances in the area between two four-lane roads that service the city centre. The road is about in width, and in length. Until the 1980s, town-planners were not allowed to build structures more than six stories in height outside of the business districts.
Economy
In addition the Sakae shopping area, there is also Ōsu, a sprawling old-style small-trader shopping area spreading out from the large Ōsu Kannon, a Buddhist temple that holds flea markets. The covered streets housing numerous restaurants and stores selling fashion garments, electronics and alternative medicine give a small taste of what Japan might have been like before modernization. Between Ōsu and Sakae in Shirakawa Park are the city's Science and Modern Art museums. South of Ōsu is Kanayama Station, Nagoya's second-most important rail transportation hub after Nagoya Station and a major access point for the Central Japan International Airport. Many izakayas and pachinko parlors can be found in its vicinity. Naka-ku is also home to the city's Opera House and the main government offices, including the Nagoya City Hall and the Aichi Prefectural Government Office. When Matsuzakaya was an independent company, its headquarters were in Naka-ku.
